The Cleveland Browns just missed out on a playoff spot last season after going 7-10. However, things are more optimistic this season because QB Deshaun Watson will play a full season this season after being suspended for the first 11 games last season for choosing to mess with multiple women without their consent.
The Watson trade left the Browns having their first pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. Fortunately, Cleveland made some moves and ended up with seven picks in this draft. Here is a look at who the Browns drafted.
Round 3, Pick 11: Cedric Tillman - WR - Tennessee. 6'3", 218 lbs (417 rec yds, 3 TD's).
Tillman dropped into the third round because he missed half of last season due to an ankle injury. If he can return to his form from two years ago when he went over 1,000 yards receiving, then he will add even more depth to a solid receiving group. His height will also make Tillman a valuable option in the red zone for the Browns.
Round 3, Pick 35: Siaka Ika - DT - Baylor. 6'3", 335 lbs (2 tackles for loss, 2 pass breakups).
Ika could see some time as a backup in their defensive line rotation.
Round 4, Pick 9: Dawand Jones - OT - Ohio State. 6'8", 374 lbs.
Jones will definitely see some time on short-yardage plays. Good luck trying to get around him.
Round 4, Pick 24: Isaiah McGuire - DE - Missouri. 6'4", 268 lbs (13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks).
McGuire will be competing to start at defensive end on the other side of Myles Garrett. Last season, Garrett led Cleveland with 16 sacks. The rest of the defense only had 18 sacks. McGuire brings the type of pressure that is needed on the opposite side of Garrett.
Round 5, Pick 5: Dorian Thompson-Robinson - QB - UCLA. 6'2", 203 lbs (3,154 passing yds, 27 TD, 10 INT, 645 rushing yds, 12 rush TD).
If you watch Pac-12 after dark, then you know that Thompson-Robinson is an exciting dual threat quarterback that can make big plays with his arm and his legs. He will be given every opportunity to compete to be the 3rd QB behind Watson and Josh Dobbs.
Round 5, Pick 7: Cameron Mitchell - CB - Northwestern. 5'11", 191 lbs (2.5 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 9 pass breakups).
Mitchell adds depth to a loaded secondary.
Round 6, Pick 13: Luke Wypler - C - Ohio State. 6'3", 303 lbs.
Wypler adds depth to the interior of the offensive line.
Overview: Although the Browns did not have any picks in the first two rounds, they addressed some needs that will allow for them to be contenders this season. Tillman and McGuire are steals in this draft. Thompson-Robinson will be given time to develop and is good insurance if Watson has a relapse. Grade: B+.
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